Medical Technology

General Information

Medical Technology is the study of the application of clinical laboratory analysis to the diagnosis or prevention of disease and to the monitoring of patient therapy. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to responsibly practice the profession. Students are also expected to develop a true sense of humanism and a professional attitude.

This is a three semester and a summer session professional program beginning in August. First and second semester at the UPR Medical Sciences Campus includes lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory work. Students then spend six months of supervised practice in a clinical laboratory setting during summer session and continuing until the end of the first semester of the next year.

Upon completion of all requirements, students receive a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate or Bachelor Degree in Medical Technology, depending on the student entry track. All program graduates are eligible to take certifying examinations given by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the American Society for Clinical Pathology-BOR and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel. Upon licensure, they are qualified to work in hospital and private clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical/biomedical industries or research settings. As a valuable member of the healthcare team, the medical technologist must be academically and ethically capable of providing quality laboratory-related services.

Program Mission

The Medical Technology Program is one of the academic offerings of the School of Health Professions, located within the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. The mission of the Program is to prepare highly-trained clinical laboratory scientists, qualified to practice as members of the healthcare team and contribute to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human disease in accordance with the evolving needs of the Puerto Rican community. The curriculum is designed to develop the cognitive, behavioral and attitudinal skills required for technical, supervisory, consultive and teaching roles in a variety of clinical or research settings.

Students are admitted into the professional program following a minimum of three years of undergraduate study. General requirements provide the basics of communication, math, critical thinking, social and ethical values. Prerequisite science courses establish the background know- ledge necessary for the professional courses. Upon completion of the 15-month program, graduates qualify for a B.S. degree in Medical Technology or receive a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, as appropriate.

The Program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The curriculum consists of two didactic semesters, offering the theory, knowledge and analytical skills in each major area of clinical laboratory science; and a six-month clinical practice, providing the opportunity to further develop and integrate the psychomotor, cognitive and attitudinal aspects of the profession. Graduates are competent in performing analytical tests on blood and other body fluids according to appropriate quality assurance standards, interpreting and reporting results, using modern instrumentation and methodologies, and applying the principles of management and education. Students are exposed to diverse educational/clinical experiences including practice rotations in hospital or private laboratory settings.

The faculty are all highly qualified and licensed as general clinical laboratory scientists, with diverse academic preparations and experience as clinicians, supervisors and educators. They are committed to continuing professional development through participation in professional organizations, attendance at national/international meetings and the pursuit of advanced degrees. Their continual awareness of emerging trends in healthcare is the framework for clinical service, consulting, education and participation in legislative matters related to the profession.

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission, applicants to the Bachelor Degree must meet the following requirements:

Three years of general courses and basic sciences are required as stated below.

Grade point average of at least 2.50 in science and mathematics courses and in all required courses.

Have a maximum of 8 credits in prerequisite work pending for the summer session.

Possess the essential functions and capabilities necessary for an individual to carry out the responsibilities of the profession.

Fluency in Spanish and knowledge and comprehension of English.

Possess necessary physical and cognitive abilities required by the profession.

Be interviewed by the faculty.

Additional to the above, applicants to the Post-Bachelor Certificate must present evidence of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university, including the courses required for admission to the Bachelor’s Degree Program.

Required Courses

Courses

Credits

English

12 Semester Credit - Hours

Spanish

12 Semester Credit - Hours

Humanities

6 Semester Credit - Hours

Social Sciences

6 Semester Credit - Hours

Mathematics(1)

6 Semester Credit - Hours

General Chemistry

8 Semester Credit - Hours

Analytical Chemistry

4 Semester Credit - Hours

Organic Chemistry

8 Semester Credit - Hours

College Physics

8 Semester Credit - Hours

Biology(2)

16 Semester Credit - Hours

Electives

14 Semester Credit - Hours

Total

100 Semester Credit - Hours

1 (in addition to an introductory mathematics course)
2 (which must include general biology, microbiology or bacteriology, and immunology)
For specific course accepted within each area, please contact the program.

Graduation Requirements

Obtain a general grade point average of 2.00 or higher in the 154 credits.

Demonstrate the conduct and attitudes required in the performance of the profession.

In order for students to be recommended for the Post-Bachelor Certificate in Science in Medical Technology, they must satisfactorily complete (with C or above) all didactic and clinical courses in a three year period and:

Obtain a general grade point average of 2.00 or higher in the 54 professional credits.

Demonstrate the conduct and attitudes required in the performance of the profession.